Israel demands halt to FlyDubai flights over Omani pilot, cites aviation pact breach

Israel's Transportation Minister has demanded suspension of FlyDubai flights pending investigation, alleging the airline violated the Israel-UAE aviation agreement by assigning an Omani pilot—Oman has no diplomatic relations with Israel—to a flight. A ministry source called it a 'mega-event' and claimed a 'very large disaster' was narrowly averted, though details remain unverified. The incident introduces a new friction point in Israel-UAE ties, potentially affecting bilateral aviation and broader normalization dynamics.